Buju Banton to Be Sentenced in June

After being found guilty on cocaine-related charges in February, reggae star Buju Banton has been given a sentencing date. The Jamaica native is scheduled to go before a judge on June 16 for sentencing for three drug-related charges stemming from a retrial from a December 2009 case. The singer faces up to 20 years in prison.

Last month, the 37-year-old, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilos or more of a substance containing cocaine; aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony; and attempting to acquire five kilos or more of the white drug.

The case stems from a bust where he attempted to buy drugs from undercover cops at a warehouse, though he countered by claiming that he was only there to inspect a boat. Upon entering the establishment, he was surprised to see cocaine on the premises. The deliberation over whether he was at fault ended in a mistrial by U.S. District Judge James Moody, but the case was reopened in February in Tampa, Florida.

"Buju is optimistic and hopeful," said his lawyer, David Markus, at the time. "He is in good spirits. He is a rock. No one realizes how hard it is to fight the federal government in one trial, let alone two."